Miss Ursidae - Shiquita Ladawn Norfleet

Even though she had to compete against a cousin and four or five friends, Shiquita LaDawn Norfleet won the title of Booker T. Washington Intermediate School's Miss Ursidae recently.

Ursidae is the Latin word for bear, which is BTW's mascot. Shiquita is the first one to win the pageant, which was begun as an effort to boost school spirit. The entrants could be from ny of the three grade divisions.

The 13 contestants were required to write an essay on their aspirations, model evening wear and display a talent. Shiquita performed a dance to Bell Biv Devoe's "Poison."

"I was shocked, because I didn't think I would win. I didn't really put myself into it at first," says the sixth-grader.

Her duties are not yet outlined, but she will act as a type of ambassador for the school. Recently, she acted as hostess for the school's Grandparents Career Day by welcoming the guests and escorting them to the rooms.

The 12-year-old would like to be a model or fashion designer. She is also considering journalism as a career choice.

"I'm not sure, but something to make a lot of money," she says.

She knows college will help her accomplish her goals. "I'm going to get my education. I'm going to college to get my degree. I think about a lot of things, but I've got to push and get my goal set on one thing."

In the meantime, she spends time with her friends going to the mall or out to eat. "Most of the time, we walk a lot."

When she's not hanging out with friends, she does her homework, watches television or goes outside.

Already working her first job, she delivers newspapers in the morning before school.

Shiquita has one older brother, a younger brother and a little sister.